Saudi- Response to reporting terror cases encouraging

(MENAFN- Arab News) JEDDAH: The Interior Ministry said there has been an unprecedented response from citizens and expatriates to report terrorists and suspicious actions through the toll-free number e-mail and fax which the ministry recently activated.
A source at the Ministry of Interior was quoted as saying to a local publication that the electronic services activated by the ministry recently significantly succeeded in following up on potential terrorist activities but warned against false reports.
The source said the ministry immediately responds to any report adding that new communication means were launched following the terrorist attacks in Qatif and Dammam.
Abdul Ghani Fares a security analyst said reporting terrorists 'is a difficult task and requires conscious awareness.'
'Without the help of people and citizens in the Ministry of Interior and its employees the new electronic service would not have met with success' he added.
Nonetheless he said some people still fear that they may get trapped in a spiral of interrogations if they report suspicious incidents and activities.
'Awareness plays a major role in spreading the culture of security among people. Security services are no longer a source of fear and intimidation but bodies offering partnership aimed at protecting the lives of citizens and improving security' said the researcher.
Commenting on malicious reports in this area in particular he said: 'The judiciary and the various government bodies suffer from large numbers of these malicious reports and allegations despite instructions from the Cabinet and the Ministry of Interior years ago to combat this phenomenon. Unfortunately we still face such malicious allegations which burden our government agencies with much time and effort.' Majed Al-Swailem said the electronic services make life easier for people and society.
'The Ministry of Interior introduced the electronic services to report terrorists but this requires the seriousness and commitment of citizens. Making false accusations and reports will subject the person to punishments and penalties in accordance with the stipulated regulations including imprisonment and fines' he cautioned.